Damascus: The chief commander of the forces that overthrew Bashar al-Assad declared on Wednesday that those responsible for torture or killings under the former Syrian president’s regime would face justice, with no possibility of pardons.
"We will track them down within Syria and urge other nations to extradite those who fled, so justice can prevail," Abu Mohammed al-Golani stated in a message shared on the Syrian state TV's Telegram channel.
The international community is closely observing whether Syria's new leadership can bring stability without resorting to violent retaliation after a devastating 13-year civil war marked by sectarian and ethnic divisions. Under the Assad family’s five-decade rule, Syria was one of the most repressive police states in the region.
Golani, now leading the country’s dominant force, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), must navigate the delicate balance between addressing victims' demands for justice and ensuring peace, international aid, and stability.
Mohammad al-Bashir, appointed by Golani's forces to head the interim administration, outlined plans to encourage millions of refugees to return, foster unity, and deliver essential services. However, the daunting task of rebuilding Syria is compounded by a lack of financial resources. "The coffers hold only Syrian pounds, virtually worthless. One U.S. dollar is worth 35,000 Syrian pounds," Bashir told Il Corriere della Sera, noting the absence of foreign currency or viable financing options.
The scale of reconstruction is immense, with cities in ruins, large areas depopulated, and the economy shattered by international sanctions. Millions of refugees remain displaced, living in camps in what is one of the largest humanitarian crises in modern history.
While foreign governments cautiously engage with Syria's new leadership, HTS continues to be listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, United Nations, European Union, and others. To gain legitimacy, the new administration must demonstrate a commitment to minority rights, facilitate humanitarian aid, prevent terrorism, and ensure regional stability, as emphasized by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres underscored the need for a smooth transition, warning of dire consequences if efforts fail.
Despite sanctions targeting both Assad’s regime and the former rebels, some U.S. lawmakers have called for temporary relief to ease Syria's economic woes. Discussions with Washington about relaxing certain sanctions are ongoing, according to rebel officials.
The interim government has proposed adopting a free-market economic model to integrate into the global financial system, marking a departure from decades of state-controlled policies. Bassel Hamwi, head of the Damascus Chambers of Commerce, described plans to align with international markets.
As the situation unfolds, fears of reprisal attacks loom large. In Assad’s hometown of Qardaha, reports emerged of Sunni Islamist fighters setting fire to the mausoleum of Hafez al-Assad, sparking anxiety among members of Assad's Alawite sect who had pledged cooperation with the new rulers.
For many refugees, the possibility of returning home stirs mixed emotions. At Turkey’s Cilvegozu border gate, Syrians lined up to cross back into their homeland, hopeful for a fresh start despite years of hardship. "We have no one here. We’re returning to Latakia to be with family," said Mustafa, preparing to cross with his wife and children.
The U.S. remains cautious in its approach to engaging with the new leadership, emphasizing the need for vigilance. “We’ve seen militant groups seize power and fail to uphold promises of inclusivity and respect for minorities,” noted State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller. As the world watches, the path forward for Syria remains fraught with uncertainty.